The Media Lab at the Newport Beach Public Library just unveiled its new look for 2015 – a colorful pixilated mural designed to entice everyone from media novices to the ultra tech savvy to come in and use the facility.

The Media Lab, made possible by a gift from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation, offers free (yes free!) access to fourteen digital media workstations, including five iMacs, all with widescreen displays optimized for the creative process. The computers are loaded with highly specialized software typically cost prohibitive for individuals or small businesses to own.

What can be done in the Media Lab?

Well, just about anything. Edit family films with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop. Design a website with Adobe Dreamweaver. Create movies and comics with graphics software Anime Studio Pro and Adobe Illustrator. Prepare architectural drawings with AutoCAD. Convert VHS, audiocassettes and LPs to digital formats. The Media Lab can accommodate anyone with a penchant to delve in – students with school projects, business people enhancing skills or anyone inspired to learn something new. Online tutorials are available to assist newcomers to experienced users.

Just across the hall from the Media Lab is the Sound Lab that will literally blow your mind. There is a Universal Audio Apollo Quad workstation, Bose Monitors, Audio Technica Microphones, an M-Audio KeyStudio electronic keyboard and IK Multimedia Total Studio 3 and ProTools 11 software.

This state of the art equipment would cost quite a bit to rent in a professional studio – and the City provides it gratis.

The Media Lab is open to anyone ith a library card. An adult must accompany customers under 14 years of age. Reservations are recommended but not required. Go to newportbeachca.gov/nbpl or call the Reference Desk at (949) 717-3800 to make a reservation for up to a four-hour time slot.

Bravo Newport Beach Public Library and Newport Beach Public Library Foundation for making “virtually” anything possible in the Media Lab.